Streets and historical buildings

The inner courtyard has been a feature of Parisian architecture for centuries. Courtyards are found in a wide range of building types, from the town houses of the bourgeoisie and aristocracy to more humble structures. Paris is also known for its rooftops, which are generally uniform in height. A view overlooking the city yields a captivating sight: rooftop patios, pitched roofs, garrets, false mansards, clad in slate, tiles or shingles… At nightfall, the skylights, former maids’ windows and attic dormers come alight, creating a dreamlike, unforgettable scene.